Foodbank NSW opens new $14.8m distribution centre

December 2, 2015

The NSW Governor has officially opened a new 6,500 m² distribution centre (DC) for Foodbank NSW & ACT in Sydney.

Superseding a smaller Wetherill Park warehouse, the new DC in Glendinning will enable a significant increase in storage of food and grocery items and throughput capacity to over 550 charitable organisations, which deliver these products to Australian families in need.

An investment of 14.8m in capital from state and territory government departments and in capital and ‘kind’ from corporations, was the result of years of dedicated effort by Foodbank NSW & ACT CEO, Gerry Andersen and the board.

A plaque commemorating the official opening was unveiled by His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), the Governor of New South Wales.

During his career in the regular army (culminating in the role of Chief of the Defence Force), the Governor had gained considerable insight into logistics. During his opening remarks, he commented on the efficiency of the planning, layout and operation of the Foodbank distribution centre.

Amongst other features, the DC is increasing sustainability with LED lighting and 250KW solar installation, the largest of any similar building in NSW.

In FY 2014-15, Foodbank NSW & ACT distributed the equivalent of 7.5 million meals to Australians in need, helping 114,000 families and singles every week.

The capacity of the new DC will enable Foodbank NSW & ACT to progressively double and then triple current output to 60,000 meals per day.

The delivery range extends from Sydney, north to Tweed Heads, south to Cooma and west to Wilcannia.

Fresh food & groceries distributed by Foodbank NSW & ACT in the FY14/15 period, represented a saving of $39.2 million (retail value) to charities, community groups and government agencies. This substantial contribution enabled these groups to invest more on counselling and other support services to address the base cause of food insecurity in the community.

For more statistics on the scope and achievements, read the Foodbank NSW & ACT Annual Review 2015

Foodbank is the largest hunger relief organisation in Australia, with distribution centres in all state capitals and a number of regional centres, which has delivered the equivalent of 200 million meals since 1992.

This national network of non-denominational, non-profit, state and territory logistics suppliers, provides a warehousing and distribution conduit between food producers, manufacturers and retailers with surplus food and grocery items and the thousands of charities and community groups which feed hungry families and individuals across the country.

Digital Tsunami has a long relationship with Foodbank in Australia. Commencing with pro bono support of Foodbank NSW in 2000, Digital Tsunami has since developed and hosted the multiple federal and regional websites and produced multiple videos.

Apart from the current responsive site, the most dramatic visual change which has occurred has been in identity. From the rudimentary appearance and multifarious branding of the late 20th century, the Foodbank web presence has refined and gained coherence and consistency.

The latest evolution of the brand, launched in October 2014, has a simplicity and impact which befits an important, contemporary, nationwide organisation. As befits a national brand, this identity is applied to all state and territory Foodbank distribution centres, vehicles, apparel and marketing collaterals.

The responsive, fifth iteration of the Foodbank web presence, features a welcome page image grid that adjusts content and positioning to the device on which it is viewed. The semi-autonomous state and territory Foodbanks have the flexibility to adjust their site’s key messages and calls to action, specific to four different browser widths.

Contact Digital Tsunami today to discuss the ‘Communications Evolution’ of your brand.